When Blockstack PBC launched, the name was a reflection of the technical architecture. Over the years, ‘Blockstack’ has evolved to encompass so much more than a technology stack: it represents a community of Web 3 builders and advocates, an economy for applications and businesses secured by Proof of Transfer (PoX)—an entire ecosystem dedicated to building a user owned internet. As this ecosystem continues to grow, it is important that we better clarify the differences and separation between Blockstack PBC and the ecosystem itself, as the two have become conflated. Below, we take a quick look at the history of the name and explore how we can refine the ecosystem as a whole.
“Blockstack” was originally a play on the once popular (now defunct) open-source cloud computing platform, OpenStack. At the time, the pitch was that Blockstack was “OpenStack, but for blockchains”. This name stuck throughout discussions from late 2014 to the beginning of 2015 as early team members converged on the concept of a common “Blockchain Stack”. The team drafted and scrapped several iterations of the corresponding logo as well (3D cube with dotted outline, 2D cube with white pips superimposed onto red and blue pips), with the ultimate objective of representing a set of networked computers.
Confusion
In 2017 the brand mark was updated to the four-dotted symbol (“the waffle”) that we see today. But the rules for intended usage were a bit hard for everyone to follow consistently. As such many variations started to appear.
In 2019 we attempted to simplify and create some lightweight rules for consistency, but there were deeper areas of confusion. For example, the Stacks token is frequently called the ‘Blockstack’ token.
What’s more, it is burdensome to ask new users to understand the relationship between: Blockstack (the technology, and general catch-all for the ecosystem), Blockstack PBC (the company), Stacks (the token), Stacks (the blockchain), Blockstack Connect, Gaia, the Stacks Foundation, and so on. To eliminate further confusion, especially ahead of the launch of Stacks 2.0, it is critical that we focus on consistent branding.
The Stacks Ecosystem
In practical terms, we can only expect new users to remember one new name, and we want that new name to be short, simple, and easy to remember. After weighing many options, Blockstack PBC and the Stacks Foundation propose we align on Stacks .
A reference to both the blockchain and token at the core of this ecosystem, Stacks represents the technological and economic security that are key to building a user owned internet. Stacks can be the single brand that not only unites us all, but also accelerates the conceptual adoption of a user owned internet.
As previously discussed, Blockstack PBC will be changing its own name to reflect a narrower focus on building developer tools, further creating clear separation between the PBC and the ecosystem.
From ‘Blockstack’ to ‘Stacks’: Branding Goals & Timeline
We understand that this is a major change that will impact the entire ecosystem. Beyond the new name, there will be many other moving pieces affecting general branding and community-affiliated projects as well. Over the next few weeks, we will be working with community and a dedicated designer to execute this transition smoothly.
Goals
- Refocus the ecosystem brand to ‘Stacks’
- Create a new logo and branding kit we are all proud of
- Create a comprehensive kit with brand and design components that community members can easily utilize
Meet Jared, our designer
Jared is a Partner at WhenWeWonder. His approach is strategic and thoughtful and his style is distinct, following a “less but better” philosophy. With over a decade of client experience, his solutions have helped both the smallest startups and the biggest organizations deliver. Check out Jared’s previous branding work here.
Timeline and How You Can Participate
- 07/09–07/17: Discuss branding options in #rebrand-feedback on Discord
- 07/13–07/17: Share feedback in the comments below
- 07/13–07/21: Sign up to be one of the first to try out newly branded swag
- 08/04: Official brand announcement
- 08/04: Help us spread the word about the new brand by sharing it across social media
- 08/05: Tune in to the branding Crash Course
- By 08/11: Update your apps and landing pages with the new branding (package coming soon!)
- Once you get your swag: Share pictures everywhere!
Look forward to your feedack!
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